The FIFA Forward Football Development Programme, has yielded positive results in Somalia and led to a tangible football development in the country.
Somali Football Federation president, Abdiqani Said Arab, said in a press statement on Friday that Somalia has truly benefitted from the Forward programme which is the sole financial source currently available for Somali Football.
“For the first time in Somalia’s football history, four football teams from Somalia are currently away from home for football competitions in different countries in Africa. This is a clear indication that Somali football is on the right track towards a greater development” SFF president noted.
“We have been able to accomplish such a huge work in Somalia with the help from FIFA and I can say that The FIFA Forward Football Development Programme, has made a positive change of development in Somalia. I thank FIFA for helping Somalia realize its long-standing dreams” President Abdiqani Said Arab said in his Statement.
The president continued to say that the national U-15 squad is in Eritrea for CECAFA U-15 Championship, Horseed SC is in Morocco for Mohamed VI Cup of Champions, Mogadishu City Club in in Zanzibar for CAF Confederation Cup, while Dekedda Sports Club in Egypt for the preliminary round of CAF Champions league.
It was late 1980s when Somalia last participated in continental club competitions, but now nearly 30 years after the country is back to the platform. Mogadishu City Club played its first CAF Confederation Cup match against Malindi FC of Zanzibar on Sunday August 11 at Amani Stadium.
The match ended in a goalless draw, while the team will have its second match against Malindi FC in the same country on August 24, as both teams agreed to play their matches in Zanzibar due to Somalia not currently being able to host international matches.
Meanwhile, Dekedda Sports Club, will play their first clash of the preliminary round of CAF Champions League against Zamalek of Egypt on Friday evening, while Horseed Sports Club is in Morocco for Mohamed VI Cup of Champions.
However, the National U-15 squad is also in Eritrea for the inaugural edition of CECAFA U-15 Championship being hosted at Asmara National Stadium.
Somali Football Federation Media Department